In a thrilling return to the horror genre, director Danny Boyle is set to release the highly anticipated sequel, 28 Years Later, with the full trailer premiering online at 3 AM ET on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Fans can get a sneak peek at the film's terrifying new world through a newly released teaser featuring glimpses of the rage-infected "zombies" that have become iconic since the original films.
The new installment is a follow-up to the cult classics 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, which have garnered a significant following since their releases in 2002 and 2007, respectively. With Alex Garland returning to pen the script, the film promises to deliver the same intense atmosphere that made its predecessors memorable. The sequel is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025, and marks the beginning of a new trilogy, with the second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, already scheduled for release on January 16, 2026, under the direction of Nia DaCosta.
Set almost three decades after the initial outbreak of the rage virus that devastated the UK, 28 Years Later explores the lives of survivors who have managed to exist in a world still under strict quarantine. The official synopsis reveals that a group of survivors resides on a small island, connected to the mainland by a heavily defended causeway. When one member embarks on a mission into the mainland, he uncovers horrifying secrets and mutated beings that challenge everything he thought he knew.
The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Jack O’Connell, Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, who plays a key role as Dr. Kelson. Cillian Murphy, who portrayed the original protagonist Jim, will return in the second film as an executive producer, although he will not appear in 28 Years Later.
In an interview, producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed Murphy's involvement, stating, "He is not in the first film, but I’m hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line. He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy." This news has excited fans eager to see how the character's story unfolds.
As anticipation builds, the marketing for 28 Years Later has already made waves, with the first trailer breaking records as the most-watched horror trailer of 2024, amassing over 60.2 million views globally. This success has prompted Sony to expedite the digital release of the original 28 Days Later film, highlighting the franchise's enduring popularity.
The budget for each film in the new trilogy is estimated at around $75 million, reflecting the studio's commitment to delivering high-quality production values and thrilling experiences for audiences. Boyle's return to the director's chair is particularly noteworthy, as he was at the helm for the original film that redefined the zombie genre with its fast-paced, terrifying depiction of a world gone mad.
The new teaser, which has been described as chilling, features flashes of intense imagery that hint at the horrors awaiting viewers. The soundtrack includes a haunting rendition of Rudyard Kipling's poem "Boots," adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The teaser has been met with enthusiasm from fans, who are eager to see how the story of survival continues in this post-apocalyptic landscape.
In addition to the excitement surrounding 28 Years Later, the horror community is buzzing about the upcoming release of Escaping Death: The Unauthorized Story Behind the Final Destination Movies. This 422-page book, written by Padraic Maroney, chronicles the making of the Final Destination franchise through over 50 exclusive interviews with cast and crew members. It serves as a lead-in to the release of Final Destination: Bloodlines, set to debut on May 16, 2025.
Fans of the horror genre can look forward to a thrilling year ahead, with 28 Years Later promising to deliver the same heart-pounding excitement that defined its predecessors. As the release date approaches, the combination of nostalgia and new storytelling elements is sure to attract both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.
With Boyle and Garland at the helm, audiences can expect a fresh yet familiar experience, as the film explores themes of survival, humanity, and the impact of the rage virus on society. The anticipation for 28 Years Later is palpable, and the upcoming trailer is expected to provide even more insight into the terrifying world that awaits.
As the clock ticks down to the trailer's release, fans are left to wonder what new horrors will emerge from the depths of this post-apocalyptic nightmare. Will the survivors find hope amidst the chaos, or will they succumb to the horrors that have mutated not only the infected but also their fellow humans? Only time will tell as 28 Years Later prepares to unleash its terror on audiences worldwide.
